Cheesy Garlic Knot Monkey Bread Pull-Apart Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best cheese pulls, use low-moisture mozzarella and cut it into small cubes. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.

Let the dough balls rest for a few minutes after shaping to relax the gluten, which makes them easier to handle and results in a tender texture.

If you have leftover garlic butter, brush it over the bread again just before serving for extra flavor.

You can also sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top after baking for a savory finish. To reheat leftovers, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.

Variations

• Spicy Pepperoni: Add 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni to the mozzarella cubes before stuffing. Toss the dough balls in a mixture of butter and red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Herb and Parmesan: Mix 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese into the garlic butter. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before baking for a cheesy, savory crust.
• Pesto Swirl: Swap the garlic butter for 1/4 cup basil pesto. Brush the pesto over the dough balls before baking, and serve with extra pesto for dipping.
• Everything Bagel: After coating in garlic butter, roll the dough balls in everything bagel seasoning. The crunchy, savory topping adds texture and flavor.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.

Freezer

Freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwave.

Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the bread soggy.

The dough balls can be assembled and coated in butter up to 2 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake directly from the fridge, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

You can also freeze the unbaked balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes.

Serving ideas

Serve this pull-apart bread as an appetizer at parties, game days, or family dinners. It’s best enjoyed warm, straight from the skillet, with a bowl of marinara for dipping. The cheese pulls are the star, so encourage guests to grab a piece and watch the stretch.

For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a simple green salad or as a side to soups and stews. The bread also pairs well with roasted vegetables or grilled meats.

If you have leftovers, they can be turned into croutons or used for bread pudding, though they rarely last that long.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Cheesy Garlic Knot Monkey Bread Pull-Apart

Prep 25 minCook 18 minTotal 43 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 1 lb pizza dough
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed

Instructions

1. On a lightly floured surface, divide the pizza dough into 20 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small disc. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center of each disc, then gather the edges around the cheese and pinch to seal. Roll each into a smooth ball.
2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic and chopped parsley. Dip each dough ball into the butter mixture, turning to coat evenly.
3. Place the coated dough balls into a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, arranging them snugly in a single layer. They can touch slightly; they will puff up as they bake.
4. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the skillet for 18 minutes, until the bread is puffed and golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
5. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the melted butter with 1 minced garlic clove (if using extra). Brush the hot bread with this garlic oil immediately after removing from the oven.
6. Serve the monkey bread warm, pulling apart the knots. Serve with a bowl of warmed marinara sauce for dipping.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

310

Protein

12 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

3 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.